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- Tasks: Manage daily school operations and support the Headteacher in strategic planning.
- Company: Join Swale Academies Trust, a vibrant community dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, local discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities required.
- Other info: This role offers excellent professional development opportunities and values work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors, Sittingbourne
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Client:
Swale Academies Trust
Location:
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
eba3a9c2e336
Job Views:
3
Posted:
29.06.2025
Expiry Date:
13.08.2025
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Job Description:
Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors
- Full Time
- Start Date: July/August 2025
- Close Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2025
The Whitstable School
37 hours per week; all year round
July/August 2025 start
Interviews: To be confirmed
Office Manager – Be at the Heart of Our School’s Success
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Office Manager to join our vibrant and growing school community. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become a key figure in the operational running of a school that is ambitious, evolving, and committed to achieving excellence.
As Office Manager, you will be central to the smooth and effective functioning of the school’s day-to-day administration. Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, you will play a vital role in supporting the strategic and operational direction of the school. You will attend relevant leadership meetings to ensure clear communication and coordination of administrative priorities, acting as the crucial link between strategic planning and operational delivery.
This is more than a traditional administrative role – you will oversee systems and processes that are essential to the running of the school, from communications and compliance to scheduling and staff coordination. You’ll be working alongside a strong and enthusiastic admin team, with the responsibility to guide, delegate, and develop them to ensure the school’s administrative functions are efficient, responsive, and aligned with school priorities.
Key elements of the role include:
- Managing and developing the school’s administrative systems to support smooth day-to-day operations
- Supporting the Headteacher with diary management, communication, and implementation of strategic plans
- Attending leadership meetings to ensure administrative alignment with school priorities (without being part of the leadership team)
- Leading and developing an effective admin team to ensure workload is managed efficiently and deadlines are consistently met
- Acting as a key liaison between internal departments, staff, parents, and external stakeholders
- Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and supporting the school’s safeguarding and data protection duties
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong organisational and communication skills
- Can take initiative and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Enjoys working collaboratively but can also lead and make decisions
- Is confident in managing systems, processes, and people
- Wants to be part of a school that values dedication, teamwork, and the drive for improvement
This is an exceptional opportunity to make a real difference in a school that values professionalism, care, and progress. If you are excited by the idea of working in a role where no two days are the same, and where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our school. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.
We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Join us to benefit from:
- Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme
- Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
- Access to training and development
- On-site Parking
- Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
- Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
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Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors employer: Swale Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Swale Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific administrative systems used in schools. Research common software and tools that schools employ for scheduling, communication, and compliance to show your readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former school office managers to gain insights into the role. They can provide valuable information about daily challenges and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by volunteering for roles that involve team coordination or project management. Highlight these experiences in conversations to showcase your ability to lead and develop an admin team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to compliance and safeguarding. Being able to articulate your understanding of these critical areas will set you apart as a candidate who is not only organised but also aware of the responsibilities involved.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in administration and team management. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the school. Highlight specific examples of how you have successfully managed administrative systems or led teams in previous positions, showcasing your initiative and ability to handle multiple priorities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swale Academies Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of the Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these responsibilities during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As this role requires strong organisational abilities, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any systems or processes you've implemented that improved efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this position. Be ready to share instances where you've successfully liaised between different stakeholders, such as staff, parents, and external partners. This will show your ability to be a key link in the school’s operations.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's strategic plans or how the administrative team collaborates with the Headteacher. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.
